» SUMMER newsletter - DECEMBER 2009

From the CFI

  

Now that February has disappeared, many of you may have not flown during December and January as well as over the Christmas New Year period. If you have exceeded 90 days since your last flight, you will require a check flight with an instructor before your next flight or cross hire. Now that February has disappeared, many of you may have not flown during December and January as well as over the Christmas New Year period. If you have exceeded 90 days since your last flight, you will require a check flight with an instructor before your next flight or cross hire.

R405 Noise Issues

This corridor allows Helicopters to transit Parramatta River and the Harbour and is one of the most scenic areas of Sydney to fly along and is surrounded by many residential properties.

Residents become agitated in these areas when Helicopter blade slap noise disturbs their quiet river or harbour outlook. While this is music to pilots ears blade slap generates many noise complaints to CASA. Fly neighbourly and eliminate blade slap in residential areas. Unsure how to do that? Talk to your instructor who will advise you of the correct method.

Best Regards

Bill Miller
CP/CFI, Managing Director
Bankstown Helicopters

Recent Developments

  

Another Reminder Regarding Victor 1 extension
CASA issued a new ERSA and charts in November 09, with revised information for the airspace and radio frequencies around Sydney. When you get your new VTC you will notice an important change when using R405 to get to or from the coast: The northern boundary of Victor 1 is now Long Reef, This change makes it clear that all aircraft should monitor 120.8 when OCTA south of Long Reef, which removes the confusion regarding correct frequencies between aeroplanes and helicopters as well as improving safety.

Aeroplane Circuit Numbers at GAAP Airports
CASA has increased the number of aeroplanes undertaking circuit operations at GAAP aerodromes from 18th January 2010 after consultation with operators and aerodrome users. This does not affect Helicopter operations unless we are joining the aeroplane circuit operation at that GAAP aerodrome. We as helicopter pilots need to be very aware of the limited visibility that aeroplane pilots have out the front of their aircraft. High instrument panels and a nose up attitude leave a very small area of vision by those pilots at a time of high workload. Be mindful of this when approaching fixed wing circuit areas, expect not be seen due to our size and fly accordingly.

CASA Safety Seminars
More than 4000 pilots took part in CASA’s popular AvSafety seminars during 2009. There were 96 seminars, mainly held in regional centres. 2010 more safety seminars are planned and dates below are confirmed but actual locations not yet confirmed. Put it in your diary and come along. Check the CASA web site for booking details. Dates: 27 Apr Wollongong, 24 May Bankstown, 29 Jun Bathurst.

Orange
Our training base at Orange has an elevation of 3115 feet. Workout for yourself what power available would be on the recent 35-40 deg days to operate in our R22’s at this field. You’ll probably agree that we at Bankstown elevation 29 feet have a spare inch or two of MAP to play with. The higher elevation plus temperature also affects the amount of weight the machine can carry.

From the Instructors

Milestones Achieved

Noise Issues Around Camden
(Extract from “Information Zulu” Camden Tower Feb 2010 Newsletter)

The noise lobby is strengthening around Camden. We know of organised groups at Cobbitty (under left crosswind runway 06), Grasmere (under late base and early final runway 06) and to the right of upwind runway 06 at about one half mile. Noise complaints of varying forcefulness are received by the Tower, Camden Airport Limited and the ASA Noise Enquiry Unit on a most regular basis.

Camden airfield has been here since around 1941 and not many of the residents around the field have been here as long. However, we do have a community obligation with regard to operations. There are noise abatement procedures published in ERSA and it is the policy of the ATC staff at Camden that, unless stress of weather or an emergency condition exists, ATC instructions will be in compliance with those procedures.

Congratulations to the following pilots who have passed flight tests recently:

FIRST SOLO
Andrew Hungerford
Grant Waddups
Bronwyn Loud (Orange)

PPL
Nil for this period

NVFR
Dan Bagshaw
Tom Gorzynksi

CPL
Miles Sandy
Jacqui Dunn
Grant Waddups
Sam Bateman (Orange)

Flight Instructor
Sean Dickson

The last word

In the Performance Section of Robinson Helicopters Flight Manual is a paragraph that goes like this. “Hover controllability has been substantiated in 17 knot wind from any direction up to 9600 feet density altitude. What does this mean. Basically it means that the tail rotor is unable to provide enough thrust for directional control above 17 knots. (Full left or right pedal does not stop the tail movement against the wind)